“I’ve never loved anyone but you,” he said. “But my sister… she’s alone, Mia. And I’m ashamed. Ashamed that my mother didn’t claim her. Ashamed that I didn’t tell you sooner. I was trying to fix it first before I brought it into our home.”
I stared at him, everything inside me shifting.
All week I had been torturing myself with the worst possible scenarios. I had been tearing myself apart over a lie my own fear had created.
I reached for his hand slowly.
“Why would I be angry at you for helping your sister?” I asked, my voice soft.
He blinked, confused. “Because I kept it from you. Because I’ve already hurt you once with secrets. I didn’t want to risk losing you again. I thought… maybe if I carried it alone, I could protect everyone.”
I squeezed his hand.
“Adrian,” I said gently, “I am your wife. I’m not here just to share the good days. I’m here to carry the heavy things with you, too.”
